The day in Tallahassee

In a move to increase competition, the state rather than cities and counties would issue cable television franchises under a bill approved by the House Policy and Budget Council on a 28-2 vote.

The House floor is the next stop for the bill (HB 529). Its sponsor, Rep. Trey Traviesa, R-Tampa, said the measure would result in lower rates, better service and more choice for consumers.

The bill is supported by telephone companies that are trying to break into the cable TV business that Traviesa said now is a de facto monopoly. Lobbyists for existing cable companies, local governments and the Communications Workers Union of America voiced opposition.

Rep. Dick Kravitz, R-Jacksonville, said he could not vote for the bill because he believes local governments are more responsive to consumers than the more distant state government.

Another opponent, Rep. Juan Zapata, R-Miami, said he believes competition is good but said it should be fair. He was worried new companies could avoid serving parts of the community and would not provide such extras as public service channels and free service to schools and libraries.

A similar bill has not yet had a committee hearing in the Senate.

Telecommunications taxes to be cut

The House Policy and Budget Council unanimously voted to cut state taxes on telephone, cable television and other telecommunications services.

The 10.8 percent rate for direct-to-home satellite TV would drop to 10.55 percent while the 6.8 percent tax on other telecommunications would fall to 6.55 percent if the bill (HB 980) becomes law.

The state would lose an estimated $15.8 million and local governments $1.1 million in the first year, according to a staff analysis.